1. Leaf Structure ofPelargonium odoratissimum(Soland.), an Aromatic Species Widely Used in Herbal Remedies and Confectionery
- Author
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Kalliope Gargeraki, Nikolaos S. Christodoulakis, and Costas Fasseas
- Subjects
Pharmacology ,Terpene ,Pelargonium odoratissimum ,Complementary and alternative medicine ,law ,fungi ,Botany ,food and beverages ,Biology ,Plant life ,Trichome ,Essential oil ,law.invention - Abstract
The dorsiventral, amphistomatic, hairy leaf of Pelargonium odoratissimum was lacking the variety of the anatomical features considered advantages for the Mediterranean plant life compared to the leaf of most Mediterranean xerophytes. Conversely, it had a well-equipped and intensely functioning secretory apparatus. Light, scanning, and transmission electron microscopy were employed to investigate the leaf structure while histochemical reactions traced the nature of the secreted metabolites. The numerous trichomes of the leaf were very active in producing phenolics, terpenes, and flavonoids mixed in a fragrant essential oil accumulated in an ovoid chamber at the top of each secreting hair. In-vitro cell cultures may be used for the production of novel compounds from low-cost precursors.
- Published
- 2013
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